Jim%2520Pete Archive

...it was the worst of times. With the Indians season winding down, the 2013 season looms. While the Indians are likely to make a move with regards to Chris Antonneti and Manny Acta quickly, what's less sure is what's going to happen to the roster. Here's Jim Pete's quick look at what could happen, as he looks into his crystal ball...after the jump...

The Tribe's Instructional League team threw out some offense on Saturday morning, rolling over the Reds to the tune of 9-1. There were hits galore, as everyone either got a hit, or got on base. Leading the charge was Jake Lowery, who launched his first Arizona home run in the Instructional League. Find out who else made a name for themselves, after the jump...

And ATF rolls into the fall. It was another full day of action, with the interesting time share at short going on between Francisco Lindor and Dorssys Paulino. This will give us our first indicator of how close...or far apart the two are in their development, both offensively and defensively. Join Jim Pete, as he reclaims the reigns to ATF...fall-style...after the jump...

The Browns look to upend the Buffalo Bills in week three. Are the Browns ready to win, or...are they ready to disappoint? Is the Eastern Conference's Central Division ripe for the taking, or are the Bulls ready to run away and hide...with or without Derrick Rose? Do the Indians have anyone worth keeping in the rotation at this point, or is it time to just dump them all, and start guys off the street? Wild Thing?...you out there? Join Steve and Jim on CSI...tonight at 10:30

With the Cleveland Indians "battling" the Minnesota Twins for the worst record in the American League Central, you have to ask yourself one question: Is this the worst Cleveland Indians team in recent memory? While there have been worse records and worse teams, a case can be made that this version of the Indians ranks near the top of really bad Indians teams...or would that be the bottom?

The Akron Aeros ended ATF's regular season edition in style. The Aeros won their fourth Eastern League title, and second in four years with a 6-1 victory. Join Jim Pete as he weaves you through the final 2012 game for the Tribe's minor league affiliate in BIG GAME fashion, as a starter showed off some perfection, a former major leaguer saved his best for last, and an MVP was crowned...after the jump...

Welcome to weak...er...week 2 of the Cleveland Sports Insiders. Tonight we'll tackle the Cavaliers for a bit, as we take a look at the youth, their potential, and how the rotation may work itself out in 2012/2013. We'll talk Browns football, and what last season's game really meant as we go up against Cincy tomorrow. We'll figure out something to talk about with regards to the Indians, and close up with the Buckeyes, if we have any time...see you at 10:30!

The season is over for the Carolina Mudcats, but boy what a season it was. Five County Stadium was an exciting new ballpark in play for the Tribe's system, and it didn't disappoint. We looked at the top 12 performers this week, and wrap things up today with the pitcher, hitter and players of the year. Of course, it wouldn't be me if I didn't look ahead. Bringing the boat in, 'cuz muddin' season is over...

Jim Pete takes a look at the top six players in Carolina in 2012, as he gets ready to shut the doors on another Carolina League season. Who will get the top spot? Will it be a power hitting first baseman? Will it be one of the flashy infielders? Will it be a toolsy outfielder? Might a starting pitcher steal the spotlight? Find out who had the best season for the Muddies, after the jump...

The Akron Aeros continued their improbable run at a title. You could make a case that this team had the least amount of talent as any to start the season. At the end of the year, they had the best record of any team in the system. After falling behind two games to none in the first series, they ran off five games in a row, and are now one game away from the Eastern League Title. Tune in after the jump to see Wednesday Night's Akron action...

This week, Jim Pete takes a different approach as to what he looks at for his year-ending piece. Sure, he could do a year-in-review, but who really cares about wins and losses in minor league baseball? What people care about are the prospects...so here's part one in a countdown of the top 12 Carolina Mudcats.

Lake County's season ended, but the offense was still productive. How productive? Well, some old familiar faces showed up once again to top Lake County's solo shot in ATF as they head on to Carolina. One was a player that was expected to be here a lot. Another one was a player that emerged as the year progressed. The final guy has some impressive power potential, but is heading back to Carolina where he struggled mightily this year. Find out who...after the jump...

What a night for the Indians' organization. The Akron Aeros won their game and series, and will head to the Eastern League Championship game on Tuesday against Trenton. Lake County won their game to tie their series at one, with the elimination game set for Monday night at Classic Park. While the Tribe is laying an egg, their future isn't. Take a look at what this organization has to offer...after the jump...

You have to love the smell of playoff baseball, don't you? The Akron Aeros went down 2-0, but their "Never-Say-Die" mentality continued, as they tied the series at two games apiece, and head to their round one elimination game on Sunday at 6:00. Lake County, who swept their first series, lost game one of round two, and head to their first must-win game of the playoffs, also at 6:00. Who topped ATF? How about the best player in the system...

With the season thankfully winding down, Chris Perez slammed both the owners and the GM for their lack of movement when the team really needed it. In doing so, he compared the Indians situation to the Tigers. Are they really similar, and should they really be compared? Jim Pete takes a quick look at both Perez, Detroit and Cleveland, and where the failings really are...after the jump...

IndiansProspectInsider.com is introducing a brand new show on the cyberwaves tonight, from 10:30-11:30. While the show will still discuss the Indians, it will also shine a focus on the Browns and the Cavaliers. Tonight, Jim Pete and Steve Orbanek will preview the Browns 2012 season, whether Dion Waiters was the draft pick, and whether the Indians have any questions to answer over the next month with the recent call-ups.

2012 was a mixed bag for the Carolina Mudcats, playing their inaugural season in Zebulon, NC after a quarter of a century in nearby Kinston. The Mudcats didn't set the Carolina League on fire by any stretch, but a bevy of good prospects showcased their talents here this season, in what turned into a year of massive development for several top prospects. Join Jim Pete in the second-to-last edition of Fishing for Mudcats, as the season closes shop...

Enter the playoffs. The Akron Aeros and the Lake County Captains both started their respective playoff series on Wednesday night, and with mixed results. The Aeros lost their game 4-2, while the Captains won their game 5-4. Jesus Aguilar rolled out a couple of hits for Akron, while Lake County filled the stat sheet, as always. Not one, but TWO first round draft picks scored four of the five runs for the Captains. Find out who...after the jump...

The regular season is nearly over, with Mahoning Valley straggling on for two more games, but Columbus, Akron, Carolina and Lake County all closed out their regular seasons on Labor Day. There are three familiar faces at the top of ATF, and all three are heading to the playoffs, ready to do some damage. Join Jim Pete for his regular season finale...sort of...after the jump...

All the affiliates lost on Sunday night except for Akron, who had their game called because of rain. Giovanny Urshela hit a game-tying ninth inning homer, and Dorssys Paulino hit his first Single-A home run as well. A potential dominating reliever and a power-hitting catcher stood at the top of Sunday's ATF mountain. Who were they? Find out , after the jump...

Available IBI Books

The 2014 Cleveland Indians Baseball Insider book featuring the Indians' Top 100 Prospects and more is now available. Also, previous editions from 2008-2012 are also available at a discounted rate. Just click on the book image for more information. Thanks again for all the support!